Carla Love Maitland

Do you know all the ‘tricks of the trade’ for using Google to research your family’s history? You may think you do, but even ‘seasoned’ researchers learned new ways to use that venerable search engine during the Tennessee Genealogical Society’s day-long seminar with Lisa Louise Cooke, which was held on Saturday, May 4, 2013, at the Pickering Center in Germantown, TN.

Ms. Cooke, who is the owner of Genealogy Gems and the host and producer of the Genealogy Gems Podcast, spent the day with TNGS members and visitors regaling the seminar attendees with truly exceptional tips, research strategies and overall exceptional advice designed to improve the family history research process for each person who was there. Ms. Cooke’s presentation was part of the Tennessee Genealogical Society’s annual ‘Spring Conference’ and was most certainly a delightful and entertaining day.

Ms. Cooke (who asked to be called Lisa) is a true professional, as one can clearly see by visiting her website.  She is filled with knowledge and knows how to share that knowledge with others in a seemingly easy manner. Her presentation was filled with wit and charm and flowed so smoothly that everyone appeared shocked (and frankly dismayed) when each of her sessions came to an end.

The audience soaked in each word. The first session was filled with numerous ways to use Google for searching common surnames (such as Smith or Jones), and even more importantly, how to narrow down the search for those surnames that can also be used for other words in our language, such as Brown or Green.

During the second session the attendees took an amazing voyage on Google Earth as Lisa explained how to use that free tool to trace their family’s voyages and settlements in America. By searching vintage maps and overlaying them on today’s addresses, one can actually visualize (and often truly see) where ancestors lived. She shared tips on how to insert family photos and research notes, allowing anyone to create their family’s personal story that can even be shared with others.

After lunch, everyone returned with eagerness to learn how to research and actually find those illusive newspaper articles and even ads that were written about or included the names of our family members even as far back as the early 1800s. Lisa shared ‘three cool tools’ to use in finding those newspapers, the best websites to search, and her five top tips for newspaper research. In the final session, the conference attendees learned how to become true detectives. Lisa shared guidelines that real detectives use to track down living persons. The revelations were truly awesome!

During each break and even throughout lunch, Lisa’s own books, video CDs, membership deals, and other offerings were literally snatched up by seminar members who wanted to make sure they could revisit and reinforce what had been taught during the day, and of course, learn even more.

Was your appetite whetted by reading this blog post?  Would you like to know more about these topics? I urge you to visit Genealogy Gems and become familiar with Lisa and her podcasts, video CDs, YouTube productions, and numerous publications, which include the Genealogist’s Google Toolbox, Google Earth for Genealogy – Volumes 1 and 2, How to Find Your Family History in Newspapers, and Genealogy Gems: Ultimate Research Strategies. Some of the items on her website are free (the very useful genealogy research toolbar for one), but to get the absolute best of the best, consider a Genealogy Gems Premium Membership.

At the end of the day, everyone agreed on these things:
1.       The Tennessee Genealogical Society definitely wants Lisa Louise Cooke to return for another seminar very soon!
2.       Lisa is as pretty as her picture – and just as pretty inside as out!
3.       Lisa Louise Cooke is a true professional who loves her work and truly enjoys sharing her knowledge with others!

Can you tell the seminar was a great success?                                                                Blog entry posted by Wanda Hunter Day

Tennessee Genealogical Society Spring Seminar
Guest Speaker Lisa Louise Cooke: 9:00 am to 3:15 pm — Saturday, May 04, 2013
Registration Form and Seminar Schedule available as download: PDF  
Registration: $20.00 TNGS members — $25.00 nonmembers 
See Lectures and Schedule details below: (1) Common Surname Google Search (2) Google Earth for Genealogy, (3) Newspapers, and (4) Finding Living Relatives.  

Registration at door begins at 8:30 am, Pickering Center, 7771 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN (See map below) (Next to the Germantown Regional History and Genealogy Center, 7779 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN)

Lisa Louise Cooke is the owner of Genealogy Gems, a genealogy and family history multimedia company.  She is producer and host of the Genealogy Gems Podcast, the popular online genealogy audio show, as well as the Family History: Genealogy Made Easy podcast. Both are available at http://lisalouisecooke.com/, in iTunes, and through the free Genealogy Gems app and free browser toolbar. Her podcasts bring genealogy news, research strategies, expert interviews and inspiration to genealogists in 75 countries around the world.

Cooke is the author of a variety of multimedia materials including the Genealogy Gems Premium website subscription; four books: Turn Your iPad into a Genealogy Powerhouse, How to Find Your Family History in Newspapers, The Genealogist’s Google Toolbox, and Genealogy Gems: Ultimate Research Strategies; and the video series Google Earth for Genealogy. Cooke will have books for sale during the seminar breaks.

Lectures and Schedule

1) 9:00 am-10:00 am - Common Surname Google Search: Discover Google tips and tricks to find your ancestors with common surnames and surnames that double as common words in the English language.

10:00 am-10:30 am - Break (books for sale and refreshments)

2) 10:30 am-11:30 am - Google Earth for Genealogy: Google Earth is a 360 degree three-dimensional way to view your ancestor’s world!  Google Earth has the power to geographically document your ancestor’s lives and lends itself very well to collaboration with other researchers.  It’s one of the best online genealogical tools available, and best of all, it’s FREE! 

11:30 am-1:00 pm—Lunch Break  You can enjoy lunch at one of the nearby restaurants or you may bring a bag lunch.  Drinks will be furnished on site.

3) 1:00 pm-2:00 pm - Newspapers: Yearning to “read all about it?” Newspapers are a fantastic source of research leads, information and historical context for your family history. Learn the specialized approach that is required to achieve success in locating the news on your ancestors. 

2:00 pm-2:15 pm - Break (books for sale and refreshments)

4) 2:15 pm-3:15 pm - Finding Living Relatives: Learn the techniques that private investigators use to track down missing people.  These strategies will help you find those elusive living relatives who may hold the key to your brick wall or possess that treasured photo you’ve been seeking.

Registration Form and Seminar Schedule available as download: PDF / Registration: $20.00 TNGS members — $25.00 nonmembers. For additional information, call 901-413-7995 or email Tina Sansone: tinahsansone@gmail.com

April 2013 Events:
Mark your calendar and participate in these learning experiences with other family researchers. Unless otherwise noted, all classes and programs are: 1) free and open to the public, and 2) held in the Tennessee Genealogical Society lecture room in the Germantown Regional History and Genealogy Center, 7779 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN 38138. For details call 901-413-7995 or email Tina Sansone: tinahsansone@gmail.com

Spring Lecture Series: Each Thursday @ 7:00 pm, April 04 – May 02
Thursday, April 04 ~ 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (50 minute lecture per speaker with a 10 minute break) ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
Guest speakers Carol Perel and Therese Fisher:

Carol Perel will discuss how "Cotton" defined the culture of the South and changed the nation's history. Perel is the past Director of Operations for the Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange and is currently the Executive Director of the West Tennessee Historical Society. Perel's presentation will include interesting information about cotton affecting the lives of our ancestors and our lives today. 

Therese Fisher will discuss "How to Evaluate Published and Online Genealogies." Fisher is the principal genealogist in Fisher Associates, a firm specializing in heir search services and genealogical work. Fisher is an accredited genealogist by the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists, the oldest company in the U.S. offering credentials in genealogy.  

Genealogy Help 
Thursday, April 11 ~ 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm  ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
Bring your brick walls or genealogy questions. Join us for a brainstorming session to help attendees in their genealogical endeavors. We will review databases, online websites and provide some individual help. We occasionally will do online lookups for attendees.  For details call 901-413-7995 or email Tina Sansone: tinahsansone@gmail.com

Spring Lecture Series: Each Thursday @ 7:00 pm, April 04 – May 02
Thursday, April 11 ~ 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (50 minute lecture per speaker with a 10 minute break) ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
Guest speakers Andy Pouncey and Carol Maynard:

Andy Pouncey will speak on “World War I: What’s Left Today of the Western Front Battlefields.” Pouncey is the Economic and Development Services Director for Germantown, TN and is also involved in the development of the Germantown Tennessee Museum.

Carol Maynard will speak on “The Elusive Female.” She will provide tips for finding a woman’s last name and ancestry. For years, Maynard has helped Mid-Southerners trace their roots at Family History Centers across the Mid-South. 

Quaker Research 
Monday, April 15 ~ 11:00 am to 12:00 n  ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
Resources for researching your Quaker Ancestry.  For details call 901-413-7995 or email Tina Sansone: tinahsansone@gmail.com

Spring Lecture Series: Each Thursday @ 7:00 pm, April 04 – May 02
Thursday, April 18 ~ 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (50 minute lecture per speaker with a 10 minute break) ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
Guest speakers Willy Bearden and Tina Sansone:

Willy Bearden will discuss "Telling Our Story." Bearden is President of the Willy Bearden Company, Inc., a production company specializing in live events, documentary film production, writing and museum exhibit production. As a filmmaker, Bearden is known for his popular "Memphis Memoirs" programs about local history.

Tina Sansone will discuss “Disasters that May Have Influenced Our Ancestors; Protecting our Research."  
Through personal experience, Sansone understands the importance of protecting genealogical research and will share helpful tips. As Vice President of the Tennessee Genealogical Society, Sansone schedules the programs for the society. She is also the Genealogy Editor for BellaOnline. 

Spring Lecture Series: Each Thursday @ 7:00 pm, April 04 – May 02
Thursday, April 25 ~ 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (50 minute lecture per speaker with a 10 minute break) ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
Guest speakers Darlene Hooker Sawyer and Dr. Jane Howles Hooker:

Darlene Hooker Sawyer and Dr. Jane Howles Hooker will discuss "Cordova Museum" and "Early Settlers of the 8th and 9th Civil Districts." Darlene Hooker Sawyer, a lifelong resident of the area, is a descendant of the Hooker family from Virginia, which settled in the area in 1836. She attended the Cordova School that now houses the Cordova Museum; Sawyer is the curator and executive director of the museum. Dr. Jane Howles Hooker is an associate professor emeritus at the University of Memphis, where she served 40 years in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences. Her English American heritage and her marriage into the Hooker family sparked her interest in the history and genealogy of the area.

Field Trip: Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Friday, April 26 ~ 10:00 am to 12:00 n ~ The Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library is located at 3030 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111 (between Poplar Ave, Walnut Grove Rd, Holmes St, and Tillman St ~ next to Chickasaw Oaks Plaza/Village). 

Bring your research and meet us at the library: Genealogy Collection, History Department, 4th Floor. "The Genealogy Collection is one of the library’s most frequently used resources. The collection’s strongest area is in microfilmed and indexed Memphis and Shelby County records. There are also United States census records for 1790-1920 on microfilm with indexes or Soundex, as well as genealogical source books, published family histories and magazines with an emphasis on 18th and 19th century southern United States, especially Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas." 

If you need transportation, contact Tina Sansone at 901-413-7955 or email tinahsansone@gmail.com. No registration is required for this field trip.

Let's Discuss It (genealogy/computer discussion group)
Saturday, April 27 ~ 10:00 am to 12:00 n ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
Participate in a genealogy/computer discussion group led by Debbie Atchley. Bring up your topic of interest and/or soak up the knowledge from the round table. No registration is required for this program. "Let's Discuss It" handouts available for download.

May 2013 Events:

Spring Lecture Series: Each Thursday @ 7:00 pm, April 04 – May 02
Thursday, May 02 ~ 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (50 minute lecture per speaker with a 10 minute break) ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
Guest speakers Dr. John E. Harkins and Alan Hall:

Dr. John E. Harkins will speak on "Milestones and Myths in Memphis History." Dr. Harkins is President of the West Tennessee Historical Society, an archivist, and author of  Historic Shelby County, an Illustrated History.

Alan Hall will speak on “European Naming Practices: Surnames and Given.” Hall has been a researcher and Family History Consultant for many years. His lectures convey his passion for history and his flair for storytelling. 

2013 Spring Seminar ~ Lisa Louise Cooke ~ Host of The Genealogy Gems Podcast
Saturday, May 4 ~ 9:00 am to 3:15 pm 
Registration Form and Seminar Schedule available as download: PDF 
Registration: $20.00 TGS members — $25.00 nonmembers 
See Lectures and Schedule for details: 1) Common Surname Google Search (2) Google Earth for Genealogy, (3) Newspapers, and (4) Finding Living Relatives.  

Lisa Louise Cooke ~ Producer/Host of The Genealogy Gems Podcast ~ a free online genealogy audio show. Episodes feature research strategies, expert interviews and much more. Featured speaker Lisa Louise Cooke has an impressive bio and website. 

Registration at door begins at 8:30 am, Pickering Center, 7771 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN (Next to the Germantown Regional History and Genealogy Center, 7779 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN)

Genealogy Help 
Thursday, May 09 ~ 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm  ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
Bring your brick walls or genealogy questions. Join us for a brainstorming session to help attendees in their genealogical endeavors. We will review databases, online websites and provide some individual help. We occasionally will do online lookups for attendees.  For details call 901-413-7995 or email Tina Sansone: tinahsansone@gmail.com

CANCELLED: Let's Discuss It (genealogy/computer discussion group)
Saturday, May 25 ~ 10:00 am to 12:00 n ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 

Enrich Your Life with Family History Research 
Saturday, May 25 ~ 10:00 am to 12:00 n ~ Germantown Community Library
Author Linda Reaves and Sharon Kelso will discuss how their lives have been enriched by researching their own family histories.
                                                                                                                                      Blog entry posted by Wanda Hunter Day

March 2013 Events:

Mark your calendar and participate in these learning experiences with other family researchers. Unless otherwise noted, all classes and programs are: 1) free and open to the public, and 2) held in the Tennessee Genealogical Society lecture room in the Germantown Regional History and Genealogy Center, 7779 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN 38138. For details call 901-413-7995 or email Tina Sansone: tinahsansone@gmail.com

Genealogy Journaling (Journaling classes held the second Thursday of the month) 
Thursday, March 07 ~ 10:30am to 12:00n  ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
Discussion of writing techniques, topics and stories. You're welcome to bring your laptop or notebook and pen. No registration is required for this class.

Genealogy Toolbox / Quarterly Membership Meeting
Saturday, March 16 ~ 10:30am to 12:00n ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
Come learn tips on organizing research databases and links you discover. We will also discuss what to put in your genealogy toolbox to take on road trips. 

Field Trip: Morton Museum of Collierville History
Thursday, March 21 ~ 11:00am to 12:00n ~ The Morton Museum of Collierville History is located at 196 North Main Street, Collierville, TN 38017 (At the intersection of Poplar Avenue and Main Street). Lunch after museum tour is optional. Meet at the Morton Museum of Collierville History or, if you need transportation, contact Tina Sansone at 901-413-7955 or email tinahsansone@gmail.com. No registration is required for this field trip.

Spring Lecture Series: Each Thursday @ 7:00 pm, March 28 – May 02
Thursday, March 28 ~ 7:00pm to 8:00pm (50-55 minute lecture with a 10 minute break) ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
Guest speaker Jimmy Ogle, well known as a local historian and an 'urban explorer,' will discuss Memphis Goes to War.

Let's Discuss It (genealogy/computer discussion group)
Saturday, March 30 ~ 10:00 am to 12:00n ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
The first part of the session will be led by Debbie Atchley. Bring up your topic of interest and/or soak up the knowledge from the round table. The last 30 minutes will be led by P.Z. Horton who will answer questions about Family Tree Maker software. If time allows, P.Z. will demonstrate some advanced features in Family Tree Maker. No registration is required for this program. "Let's Discuss It" handouts available for download.

2013 Spring Seminar ~ Saturday, May 04 ~ 9:00 am to 3:15 pm 
Registration Form and Seminar Schedule available as download: PDF 
Registration: $20.00 TGS members — $25.00 nonmembers 

Lisa Louise Cooke ~ Producer/Host of The Genealogy Gems Podcast ~ a free online genealogy audio show. Episodes feature research strategies, expert interviews and much more. Featured speaker Lisa Louise Cooke has an impressive bio and website. 

Registration at door begins at 8:30 am, Pickering Center, 7771 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN (Next to the Germantown Regional History and Genealogy Center, 7779 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN)

February 2013 Events:

Mark your calendar and participate in these learning experiences with other family researchers. Unless otherwise noted, all classes and programs are: 1) free and open to the public, and 2) held in the Tennessee Genealogical Society lecture room in the Germantown Regional History and Genealogy Center, 7779 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN 38138. For details call 901-413-7995 or email Tina Sansone: tinahsansone@gmail.com

African American Genealogy  
Saturday, February 09 ~ 10:30 am to 12:00n  ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
Come learn how to get started doing your family history; focus on African American resources.

Early American Roads and Trails
Saturday, February 16 ~ 10:30 am to 12:00n ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
Come learn about the early roads and trails our ancestors traveled leaving clues along the way.

CANCELLED / WILL RESCHEDULE: Field Trip: Morton Museum of Collierville History
Thursday, February 21 ~ 11:00 am to 12:00n ~ The Morton Museum of Collierville History is located at 196 North Main Street, Collierville, TN 38017 (At the intersection of Poplar Avenue and Main Street). Lunch after museum tour is optional. Meet at the Morton Museum of Collierville History or, if you need transportation, contact Tina Sansone at 901-413-7955 or email tinahsansone@gmail.com. No registration is required for this field trip. CANCELLED / WILL RESCHEDULE

Let's Discuss It (genealogy/computer discussion group)
Saturday, February 23 ~ 10:00 am to 12:00n ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
The first part of the session will be led by Debbie Atchley. Bring up your topic of interest and/or soak up the knowledge from the round table. The last 30 minutes will be led by P.Z. Horton who will answer questions about Family Tree Maker software. If time allows, P.Z. will demonstrate some advanced features in Family Tree Maker. No registration is required for this program. "Let's Discuss It" handouts available for download.

2013 Spring Seminar ~ Saturday, May 04 ~ 9:00 am to 3:15 pm 
Registration Form and Seminar Schedule available as download: PDF 
Registration: $20.00 TGS members — $25.00 nonmembers 

Lisa Louise Cooke ~ Producer/Host of The Genealogy Gems Podcast ~ a free online genealogy audio show. Episodes feature research strategies, expert interviews and much more. Featured speaker Lisa Louise Cooke has an impressive bio and website. 

Registration at door begins at 8:30 am, Pickering Center, 7771 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN  (Next to the Germantown Regional History and Genealogy Center, 7779 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN)

School Days, School Days ~ Dear Old Golden Rule Days
                                                                                                          Carla Love Maitland
As I walked down the long school hallway, my feet felt the familiar tread of aged wooden flooring under me . . . familiar because I had felt that same sensation under my feet for six long years at my own elementary school many years ago. The trip back in time I was taking occurred on Thursday, January 24, 2013, when several members of the Tennessee Genealogical Society visited the Cordova Museum, located at 1017 North Sanga Road in Cordova, TN.  The visit was part of the TNGen Society’s popular monthly ‘field trip’ program to various museums, historic homes, and other places of historic and genealogical interest in and around Memphis.

The museum itself is located inside the historic Cordova High School, built in 1913, and now known as the Cordova Community Center. The school would eventually close out the high school grades, and the building would serve as an elementary school until it was completely closed in 1973. For the next few years, it served as a storage area for the Shelby County School System. Facing the possibility of seeing the school torn down, a group of historic-minded citizens took quick action and managed to save the building by purchasing it after a long series of fundraising activities. The citizens of that community were also able to have the building recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

After the purchase of the building, the Cordova Community Center was established and at least one of the old school rooms was designated as a ‘museum’ area. That room is completely awesome! Filled with artifacts from the old Cordova School, as well as from other places in Cordova, it’s a visual and tactile visit down memory lane. Yes – you can actually pick up and look at many of the old school books, student work, and other memorabilia that fill the room.

Looking at the old two-part school desks with the seat attached to the back of a desk, I saw the holes in the right-hand corner that were used as inkwells. I remember putting my own bottle of ink in the same type of hole and trying my best to fill my adorable pink ink pen that my Mother bought for me to use.  Loved the pen – hated the process of filling it with ink. What a mess that always was, and what a different world, too!

The museum brought that world back to life. The room abounds with memories, not only from my era, but also from a time that goes back to the beginning of the Cordova community itself – the early 1800s. Photos of former students and citizens, records and research books of various types and other mementos of times past (including register books of area cotton merchants) help make this place a genealogy or history lover’s dream.

I’m sure you’ll see some of those interesting items in the slideshow below. So instead of just reading about the museum and looking at the pictures, make a plan to visit! While there, you will also be able to see the first official U.S. Post Office building for Cordova, TN. The old building was moved from its original site and placed behind the Community Center to become a part of the full tour that takes you through the entire school building. 

The museum is always in need of volunteers or financial assistance. Please contact Museum Director, Darlene Hooker Sawyer, at 901.757.4400 for more information. Darlene is ably assisted most days by retired University of Memphis professor, Dr. Jane Hooker, as well as by Mr. Don Odom. Both gladly volunteer their time to help bring the past to life for others.

If you are on Facebook, search for Cordova Museum to learn more – and be sure to click ‘like!’  You will definitely like this place! 
Blog entry posted by Wanda Hunter Day

Unless otherwise noted, all classes and programs are: 1) free and open to the public, and 2) held in the Tennessee Genealogical Society lecture room in the Germantown Regional History and Genealogy Center, 7779 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN 38138. For details call 901-413-7995 or email Tina Sansone: tinahsansone@gmail.com

Genealogy Journaling (Journaling classes held the second Thursday of the month)
Thursday, January 10 ~ 10:30 am to 12:00n  ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
Discussion of writing techniques, topics and stories. You're welcome to bring your laptop or notebook and pen. No registration is required for this class.

Joining a Lineage Society or Heritage Organization: How to get that application ready 
Saturday, January 19 ~ 10:30 am to 12:00n ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
Discussion of various lineage societies and heritage organizations and the requirements to join. No registration is required for this program.

Field Trip: Cordova Museum 
Thursday, January 24 ~ 11:00 am to 12:00n ~ The Cordova Museum is located in the historic Cordova Community Center (also known as "Cordova School" or "Cordova Elementary School"): 1017 North Sanga Road, Cordova, TN. Lunch after museum tour is optional. Meet at the Cordova Museum or, if you need transportation, contact Tina Sansone at 901-413-7955 or email tinahsansone@gmail.com. No registration is required for this field trip.

Let's Discuss It (genealogy/computer discussion group)
Saturday, January 26 ~ 10:00 am to 12:00n ~ TnGenSoc Lecture Room 
The first part of the session will be led by Debbie Atchley. Bring up your topic of interest and/or soak up the knowledge from the round table. The last 30 minutes will be led by P.Z. Horton who will answer questions about Family Tree Maker software. If time allows, P.Z. will demonstrate some advanced features in Family Tree Maker. No registration is required for this program. "Let's Discuss It" handouts available for download.

2013 Spring Seminar ~ Saturday, May 04 ~ 9:00 am to 3:15 pm 
Registration Form and Seminar Schedule available as download: PDF 
Registration: $20.00 TGS members — $25.00 nonmembers 

Lisa Louise Cooke ~ Producer/Host of The Genealogy Gems Podcast ~ a free online genealogy audio show. Episodes feature research strategies, expert interviews and much more. Featured speaker Lisa Louise Cooke has an impressive bio and website. 

Registration at door begins at 8:30 am, Pickering Center, 7771 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN (Next to the Germantown Regional History and Genealogy Center, 7779 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN)

As I watched the gentleman clad in Civil War costume lovingly hold each vintage weapon in his hand, the old phrase ‘going off half-cocked” came to mind over and over.  Although he never actually said that phrase, the reality of what it meant was brought to life as he cocked each weapon explaining how the Civil War soldier had to load it.  The first step in the ‘cocking and loading’ process was always the ‘half-cocked’ position, which was clearly demonstrated each time he handled a weapon. This is the ‘safety’ position in which a weapon would generally be loaded. Actually seeing that tedious procedure enacted brought home the veracity of that old saying.  If the weapon went off before being fully cocked, loaded, and ready, the soldier could lose valuable time and could most certainly put himself in imminent danger by not being ready to fire his weapon.

Civil War history buff, Rick Cohen, was the presenter I described above. He was giving his demonstration at a recent event hosted by the Tennessee Genealogical Society.  Rick is a native of Chicago who moved to Memphis about forty years ago.  However, he began collecting Civil War memorabilia back in the 1960s and made it clear to the audience that he only collected and spoke about remembrances of the Union forces. Just listening to his description of his own collection was delightful.  He personally owns a large number of Civil War guns, rifles and swords, as well as newspapers of that era, photographs - and even a canon!  Yes, he own a ’12-pounder’ – the type that is called a ‘boat howitzer,’ much like the one used on the Monitor of the “Monitor and Merrimack Battle” fame.  He admitted that his main interest was in the Navy.

Rick brought a wonderful sampling of the various weapons used during the Civil War by the Union forces.  He showed a Springfield Musket, which he explained was standard issue for the infantry by the U.S. government.  It was a single muzzleloader (a holdover from previous wars) that weighed 9 ½ pounds, with each bullet loaded by being pushed all the way down the muzzle, or the open end of the barrel; not very effective, to say the least.

The Union Cavalry, on the other hand, had no standard weapons and used all types.  The carbine was a special favorite.  It was a short-barreled weapon that was also breech-loading, which means that a cartridge was loaded from the side or rear of the rifle and not directly down the barrel.

After showing a couple of swords, including a light-cavalry sabre, Rick showed everyone the pistols used during the war: the Colt 44, which was mostly used by the Army, and the Colt 36, mostly used by the Navy and seemingly favored by Confederate forces. The Colt 44 was the most commonly used pistol, and both were made by Samuel Colt and Company.

Finally, Rick brought out the ‘best of the best:’ the 7-shot repeater. This weapon (also known as the Spencer Repeating Rifle) included a 7-shot tubular magazine with the soldier carrying a cartridge block holding ten tubes.  Although the U.S. government issued very few of these to the Union forces, according to Rick Cohen, Colonel John Wilder purchased these weapons for his own unit, which became known as the famous “Lightning Brigade.”  Also according to Rick, if the U.S. government had purchased more of these weapons for the Union forces, the war would have ended much sooner.  He said, unequivocally, “Firepower could have shortened the war.”  (Somehow, this statement sounds very familiar.  It seems that some things never change.)

Rick peppered his ‘show and tell’ of weapons and also coinage used during the Civil War with wonderful bits of history.  Because most Confederate soldiers used their own weapons during the War, General Lee managed a negotiation with General Grant allowing those soldiers to take their weapons home.  After all, there was no truly functioning Confederate government around to collect those firearms.  It seems that the U.S. government didn’t complete a very efficient collection of weapons after the War either. There were no serial numbers on any of the weapons, many were lost in battle, and some just took their weapons home with them.  Rick was not sure about the ‘accountability’ issue.

Rick also deftly handled questions from the audience.  At one point, a gentleman, who had one of the most delightful Southern accents I’ve heard in quite a while, asked a question about what weapons the Confederates used. Rick conceded that the Confederate government was not able to supply their forces with weapons and most used their own rifles. Some picked up Union weapons from the battlefields, copied them, or purchased them from gunrunners from the North.  The ‘Southern Gentleman,’ who seemed quite knowledgeable himself regarding Civil War weapons, stated that the Confederate government had indeed purchased most of the weapons that they were able to purchase from companies, individuals, and even government sources in the North.

As a former history teacher and lover of all things historical, I will have to say that I was not very knowledgeable about or particularly interested in military weapons. However, I thoroughly enjoyed Rick’s presentation and have come to appreciate even more what those Civil War soldiers had to endure as they went into battle with weapons which seem so primitive to us now. It brought to mind the now-infamous statement of former Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld: “You go to war with the Army you have.” 

Both the Union and Confederate forces certainly did that.

(DISCLAIMER: Any incorrect descriptions of the weapons that Rick demonstrated or in the stories he told are completely the responsibility of this author, who based this piece on notes taken quickly, but as accurately as possible during the presentation.)

On Thursday, June 28, 2012, a group of history lovers from the Tennessee Genealogical Society (as well as some non-members who joined us) endured the 100+ degree heat to tour the splendid Davies Manor Plantation located just outside of Memphis near Lakeland, TN.

Located on 32 acres of land that at one time numbered over 2000 acres, the Davies Manor House and its surrounding buildings, gardens, wagons, well – and even an outhouse - represented a trip back in time, all the way back to a time before the county of Shelby was even established.

Our docent informed us that the first room of the Manor House was actually built in 1807.  West Tennessee was not even officially open to settlers at that time and wouldn’t be until 1818.  Although the unknown builder of that one log cabin room was not a member of the Davies family, the first family members appeared in West Tennessee sometime around 1838.  They eventually acquired the land and began to add on to that room until finally completing the beautiful home that still exists today.

There were so many beautiful things to see in the house itself.  Looking at the hearth, the furnishings (many pieces original to the home), and experiencing the feel and look of the log cabin walls actually helped the group members realize what it must have been like to live in those ‘olden days.’  The original ‘dog trot’ or breezeway in the house had been closed in a number of years ago and serves as an entry room for the house itself.  Standing in that entryway, one could imagine the open area where the dogs and other farm animals would freely roam through, and where whatever gentle wind that might be blowing at the time would help cool down the house and its occupants.

One member of the tour group, Pete Crawford, took a number of excellent photos.  I’m a firm believer that a ‘picture is worth a thousand words,’ so I will close and allow you to enjoy the slideshow below.  Hopefully, the photos will encourage you to visit the Plantation.  To learn more, be sure to visit the Davies Manor Plantation website.

Carla Love Maitland
Public Relations
Tennessee Genealogical Society  

When we were in school, most of us (hopefully) went on field trips that were designed to increase or add to our knowledge of a particular subject that we were studying. These trips created wonderful memories, and more often than not, did indeed enhance our understanding of the subject.

This year the Tennessee Genealogical Society began a series of “Field Trips.”  These field trips were also designed to increase and enrich our knowledge in specific subjects, those being genealogy and history. So far, the trips have been successful in accomplishing that goal. The field trips planned included visits to the  Cordova Museum, the History and Genealogy departments of the Memphis Public Library, the Shelby County Archives, and the historic Shelby County Courthouse.

Tina Sansone shared her review regarding the field trip to the Cordova Museum. This author had the opportunity to participate in the tours of the other three places. The information given at all three of those places was amazing.  Even though I’ve spent many days of research on the fourth floor of the  Memphis Public Library, where the History and Genealogy departments are located, I was surprised at how much I really didn’t know about the resources available there.  Although I knew about the large collection of microfilm, I did not know the diversity of subjects available and the span of years that are covered. The enthusiasm and knowledge of our guide, Mr. Thomas Jones, motivated most of us to stay for a while after the tour to engage in more of our own research.

At the Shelby County Archives, we were able to actually visit the place that houses all of the wonderful county resources that are available to the public.  The staff at the Archives have also done an outstanding job of putting as much of this information as possible online.  That process continues on a daily basis, and if you cannot ever physically visit the Archives, be sure to visit the website.  Our guide for that trip was Mr. Vincent Clark, and once again the knowledge of our guide was remarkable. A number of people stayed after the tour to research and to receive personal help from Mr. Clark.

The last field trip attended was one to the Shelby County Courthouse.  It was led by Memphis historian, Jimmy Ogle. This magnificent building is a beautiful representation of neo-classical architecture, built in 1909 and dedicated in January of 1910. It was made with blue Bedford limestone and was the main building for both the Memphis and Shelby County governments for a number of years.  The office of E.H. “Boss” Crump was located on the first floor of the building, which includes wonderful mahogany, brass, and marble adornments. A true gem from the tour was finding out that the outstanding Law Library is open to the public during daytime hours.  A bust of Andrew Jackson, one of the founders of the city of Memphis, is also located on the first floor of the building. It dates back to 1835 and is believed to be one of the oldest busts of any U.S. President to still exist. 

The Tennessee Genealogical Society’s “Field Trips” have created wonderful memories as did those from our childhood, and they have also added considerably to our knowledge of the history of Memphis and of the availability of resources for genealogical research.


More field trips for the Tennessee Genealogical Society are currently being planned.  If you have ideas or suggestions for a place to visit in or around Shelby County, TN  please contact Tina Sansone, Vice President. 

Carla Love Maitland
Public Relations
Tennessee Genealogical Society